So You Want to Get Barred in New York? Hold Your Horses (Literally, You'll Need Them for Law School)
Ah, the Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps (unless you're cramming for the bar exam). Maybe you've seen "Suits" and think you can lawyer your way to the top. Or perhaps you just have a burning desire to argue with people for a living (no judgement). Whatever your reason, becoming a barred attorney in New York is a dream for many. But before you dust off your pre-law textbooks (because let's face it, they've been collecting dust for a reason), there's a few things you should know.
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| How To Get Barred In New York |
The Scenic Route: Law School and the Bar Exam
This is the traditional path, the one paved with textbooks, sleepless nights, and questionable life choices (like ramen for every meal).
- Law School: Buckle up for 3 years of intense legal education. Think professors who talk faster than an auctioneer and classmates who can argue the color of the sky. But hey, at least you'll learn some cool stuff, like the difference between assault and battery (or is it battery and assault? Don't worry, that'll come later).
- The Bar Exam: The Mount Everest of legal tests. Picture yourself facing a mountain of questions that would make even the Sphinx scratch its head. This is where all that studying comes in handy (and maybe a few good luck charms).
**_But wait, there's more! New York has notoriously high standards, so be prepared to put in the elbow grease.
The Less-Traveled Path: The "Experienced Attorney" Route (But Seriously, Consider Law School)
If law school sounds like your idea of Dante's Inferno, there is a super sneaky (and less common) way to become a barred attorney in New York. You can apply for admission "on motion" if you've been practicing law in another U.S. jurisdiction for five of the preceding seven years. Basically, you have to prove you're already a legal rockstar before New York lets you play in their sandbox.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Word to the wise: This path has its own hurdles, and law school can still be a valuable asset. Consider it like legal steroids - you'll be a litigation superhero in no time (okay, maybe not that fast).
FAQs for the Bar Exam Wannabes
1. How to Survive Law School?
Quick Answer: Patience, coffee, and a good support system (because you'll need all three).
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
2. How Long Does it Take to Become a Lawyer in New York?
Quick Answer: With law school, figure on 7 years (3 years of school and 4 years to pass the bar exam - though some folks do it quicker). The "experienced attorney" route can vary depending on your experience.
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3. How Much Does Law School Cost? (Because Let's Be Honest, It's Expensive)
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Quick Answer: A small fortune. But hey, if you become a hotshot lawyer, you'll be able to buy your own island (or at least a really nice apartment).
4. How Hard is the Bar Exam?
Quick Answer: Very. But with hard work and dedication, you can conquer that beast.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
5. How Do I Know if Being a Lawyer is Right for Me?
Quick Answer: If you enjoy a good challenge, love to argue (constructively, of course), and have a passion for justice, then law school might be for you. Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
So, there you have it. Becoming a barred attorney in New York is no walk in the park (or should we say Central Park?). But with the right preparation, a healthy dose of humor (because laughter is the best medicine, even for law students), and a fire in your belly, you can achieve your legal dreams. Now go forth and conquer that bar exam (or find another jurisdiction with a more relaxed attitude towards legal entry)!
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